Long Ago, Within a Garden

Text: R. Devan Jensen; original language: English

Music: Daniel Lyman Carter

In April 1985, just two weeks before he passed away, Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles invited all to deepen their understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He said, “As we read, ponder, and pray, there will come into our minds a view of the three gardens of God—the Garden of Eden, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Garden of the Empty Tomb where Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene” (“The Purifying Power of Gethsemane,” Ensign, May 1985, 10).

This profound imagery inspired author Devan Jensen to write “Long Ago, Within a Garden.” The first three verses reflect on those sacred gardens, but the fourth turns the focus to us and the Savior’s invitation to “come unto [Him] and … partake of the fruit of the tree of life” (Alma 5:34), which is “sweet above all that is sweet” (Alma 32:42).

Brother Jensen took his completed text to his friend Daniel Carter, who offered to compose a musical setting. Carter said that composing this hymn was “like receiving a gift.” He chose the tune name evergreen, symbolizing the eternal nature of the trees referenced in the text.

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Scriptures

Principles

Because of the Fall of Adam and Eve, sin and death became part of our mortal experience.
Jesus Christ overcame the permanent effects of sin and death through His suffering in Gethsemane, death on the cross, and Resurrection from the dead.
The gospel of Jesus Christ makes it possible for us to be forgiven for our sins and live with God someday.

Questions to Ponder

How does your knowledge of the Fall of Adam and Eve and the Atonement of Jesus Christ help you better understand why we experience hard things in this life?
When have you felt gratitude and love for Jesus Christ because of His atoning sacrifice?
How can a testimony of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection help a person feel hope for the future?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Talk about the significance of gardens. All gardens are places of growth and life. This hymn highlights three specific gardens and ends with a reference to the tree of life. Go to a nearby garden with your family, and listen to or sing the hymn together. As you do, count each garden mentioned in the hymn and briefly talk about what happened there. Invite family members to share what they can learn about the Savior from each garden.
Reflect on the symbolism of the fruit of the tree of life. While eating a favorite fruit together, listen to the final verse of the hymn. Invite your family to imagine how sweet the fruit of the tree of life must have been. Encourage your children to search 1 Nephi 8 to learn what the fruit represents. Then sing the verse again and talk about the ways your family has tasted the sweetness of God’s love.